QB accepts his release from Vikings

After leading the Vikings back into playoff contention with an 8-3 record as their starting quarterback, Frerotte was released Friday morning once the team completed a trade with the Houston Texans for Sage Rosenfels.

"They wanted to go in another direction," Frerotte said of the Vikings. "I obviously want to play, and I want to play for the Vikings. But they're the bosses. I'm not bitter."

During a conversation Friday morning, Vikings coach Brad Childress was about to explain the team's decision. But Frerotte said he politely interrupted.

"I told him, 'You don't have to explain anything, Coach,' " Frerotte said. "I told him I appreciate him having me on the team. I told him I was proud of the team, going 8-3 as a starter, and I had a lot of fun."

The Vikings dramatically changed their stance after Childress told local reporters in Indianapolis at the NFL combine that Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson would compete for the starting job. But at the combine, the Vikings reinitiated trade talks with the Texans, whom they talked to last offseason about Rosenfels.

"Once those rumors started flying, once everyone figured out it was true, you figured out this was how it was going to go," Frerotte said. "They changed their mind, and they can do what they want."

Frerotte said he does not plan to retire but made it clear he isn't looking to take just any job. He said he would entertain only the "right situation.

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"Last year was rough," Frerotte said of the time away from his wife and children. "My kids are at an age where their lives are changing.

"They're not going to be with you that much longer. They're going to move around, so I want to be around. But if the right situation presents itself, I could really think about it."

Frerotte said he enjoyed his second stint with the Vikings. He specifically thanked owner Zygi Wilf, his teammates and the fans.

"I want to say thanks to the Viking fans, because that was one of my favorite places to play," Frerotte said of Minnesota. "But I think Sage is going to do well. I think he'll fit into their system and do a lot of good things."